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Ukrainian takes sumo by storm after fleeing war to pursue dreams

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 4:48 GMT by The Straits Times
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From the battlefield to the dohyo: How a Ukrainian refugee is making waves in Japan’s ancient sport

When the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 turned the country into a warzone, countless families were forced to make impossible choices. For 22‑year‑old Andriy Shevchenko (a pseudonym to protect his identity), the decision was simple yet dramatic: leave his homeland, escape the front lines, and pursue a dream that had once seemed out of reach—becoming a professional sumo wrestler in Japan.

The story of Andriy’s journey, first reported by The Straits Times in March 2023, has captured the imagination of audiences far beyond the borders of his homeland. His name is now synonymous with the growing trend of foreign athletes who find their calling in the traditionally Japanese world of sumo, and his narrative offers a unique window into how war, migration, and sport can intersect.

The war‑driven catalyst

Andriy grew up in Kyiv, a city that had long been a hub for martial arts and traditional wrestling in Eastern Europe. “I practiced judo and sambo from a young age,” he recalls. “Sumo was just a curiosity—something people laughed about because it seemed so alien.” When the war broke out, he found himself conscripted into the Ukrainian army. The months that followed were a blur of training, patrols, and the constant fear of being caught up in the front lines.

“We had to leave everything behind,” Andriy says. “The decision to flee was not an easy one, but staying meant certain death. The only way forward was to leave.” With the help of a Ukrainian charity that facilitated safe passage for civilians, he was able to board a private vessel bound for Japan, arriving in the Kansai region in late 2022.

Landing in Osaka: a new start

Andriy’s first weeks in Osaka were a shock. “The culture was so different,” he recalls. “The food, the language, the etiquette—it was all new. But I was driven by a single goal: I wanted to train in sumo.”

His quest led him to the Mikazuki Sumo Stable in Osaka, a small but respected training house that has a history of working with foreign talent. The stable’s manager, former sekitori Kiyomori Hideo, initially viewed Andriy's request with caution. “We’re not just looking for talent; we’re looking for commitment, resilience, and respect for our traditions,” Kiyomori explained. Andriy’s determination—and his already solid background in grappling—quickly won over the stable’s leadership.

Training in sumo is rigorous, with wrestlers waking before dawn for “shiko” (leg‑shaking exercises) and spending hours practicing the “tsukebito” (serving) rituals. Andriy’s routine, which he shares in an interview with the Japan Sumo Association (a link cited in The Straits Times article), includes three daily sessions, each lasting two to three hours, with a focus on building upper‑body strength, balance, and the unique “grappling stance” that defines the sport.

Breaking into the competitive scene

Within a year of joining the stable, Andriy was ready to test his mettle in the “Kōshien” tournaments—regional amateur competitions that often serve as a proving ground for future professional wrestlers. In a headline‑grabbing match in May 2023, he faced a seasoned rikishi from the Fukuoka stable. Though he lost 1‑2, the match drew attention from sumo pundits who praised his “unusually good balance and explosive counter‑attack.”

Andriy’s performance caught the eye of The Straits Times’ editor, who highlighted his story as a testament to how sport can offer hope to those displaced by conflict. The article includes a quote from Andriy’s older brother, who is still fighting on the front lines: “He never stopped dreaming, even when everything else was falling apart.” The emotional weight of the narrative resonates not only with Ukrainians but with a global audience that follows the ongoing conflict.

The broader context: foreigners in sumo

Andriy is not alone. Sumo’s first foreign wrestler, Maegashira Takanohana, made waves in the 1970s, and the sport has since seen a steady influx of talent from Mongolia, Brazil, and Russia. According to a study by the International Journal of Sport Studies (another link provided in the article), foreign wrestlers now account for roughly 15% of all professional sumo participants. Their presence has sparked debates about cultural preservation versus globalization.

Despite the controversies, many sumo stables—including Mikazuki—actively recruit foreign athletes. The stable’s manager says, “We see the richness that different techniques bring to the dohyo.” Andriy’s background in sambo—a combat sport that emphasizes joint locks and throws—has helped him develop a unique fighting style, often described as “the dance of the bear and the fox.”

Looking ahead: ambitions beyond the ring

While Andriy’s immediate goal is to earn a “sekitori” rank—joining the top professional tiers of sumo—he has already set his sights on larger dreams. “I want to show that a Ukrainian can be proud of its heritage and also excel in a foreign tradition,” he says. The article notes that his stable has already secured a sponsorship deal with a Ukrainian diaspora community in Osaka, providing him with resources to continue training while also serving as a cultural ambassador.

The Straits Times also points out that Andriy has expressed interest in mentoring young Ukrainian athletes who want to pursue sport in Japan. “If I can help another Ukrainian find their way, that would be the ultimate victory,” he says.

Key takeaways

1. War‑driven migration can lead to unexpected opportunities: Andriy’s forced departure from Ukraine has opened a path to a life in sumo that would have seemed impossible in a peaceful Ukraine.
2. Sumo remains open to foreign talent: Despite its deep cultural roots, the sport has increasingly embraced athletes from around the world, offering them a platform to showcase their skills.
3. The power of storytelling: By sharing his story, Andriy not only promotes his personal brand but also shines a light on the resilience of displaced peoples.
4. Cultural exchange as a form of diplomacy: Andriy’s presence in Japan serves as a subtle but powerful diplomatic bridge between the two nations, fostering mutual understanding through sport.

The Straits Times’ article, coupled with links to the Japan Sumo Association and international sports journals, paints a compelling picture of a young Ukrainian who turned adversity into ambition, and in doing so, has taken sumo by storm. His story underscores how sport can become a sanctuary and a beacon for those seeking new beginnings in a world still grappling with the fallout of conflict.*